Key case



Dec. 17, `1929. E. v. ,LuulmzRsElv 1,739,814

KEY CASE Filed Feb. 1o. 192s glu/vento@ amm,

Patented Dec. 17, 1929 KEY CASE Application led February 10, 1928. Serial No. 253,389.

This invention relates to a new and improved key case or holder adapted to retain a plurality of keys.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a simple and practical key case which is devoid of projections likely to readily catch in the clothing, and which may be readily manufactured at a minimum cost.

Another object is to provide a key case in which a plurality of keys may be secured so that any desired key may he readily engaged and projected for use.

Still another object is to provide a key case which may be readily carried in the pocket, and which embodies simple and elii-k cient means to retain the keys in retracted or projected positions.

The invention consists in the novel forrn,A

Referring more in detail to the drawing..

the present invention embodies a pair of spaced parallel outer plates 5 and 6, and pairs of intermediate plates 7 and 8 separably connected at the ends of the case by means of headed pivot pins 9, and stud screws 10 threaded into sockets provided in the ends of said pivot pins. The space between each pair of intermediate plates 7 and 8 provides a compartment at each side of the longitudinal median line of the case, and one key 11 is provided for each compartment. The pivot pins 9 are arranged at opposite sides of said longitudinal median line of the case, and the eyes in the manipulating ends of the keys at each end of the case are registered and have the adjacent pivot pin 9 passed therethrough, whereby said keys are pivotally mounted between' the diate plates.

The pairs of intermediate plates are formed of resilientl sheet metal, and the plates of each pair have their longitudinal edge portions curved toward and substantially int-o centact with each other so as to form cooperating spring iianges 12 normally acting to substantially conceal and effectively retain the keys retracted within the case. It is thus apparent that the keys must be inanually forced past the flanges 12 when moved to projected or retracted position, the flanges yielding apart to permit the passage of the keys and frictionally gripping the manipulating ends of the keys to hold them. in projected position.

Suitable cover plates 13 and 14v of composition or like material are applied to the v outer sides of the outer plates 5 and 6 and secured to the latter by means of a headed pin 15 passed through the centers of the plates 5, 6, 7, 8 and 14C, and a stud screw 16 passed through the cover plate 13 and threaded into a socket in the end of the pin 15. rlhe cover plates 13 and 14'have recesses in their inner faces to receive the heads of the pivot pins 9 and screws 10. In this way ready loosening of the pivot members for the keys is prevented, and a neat construction is had in which the heads of said pivot members are concealed and prevented from catching in the clothing. j

The plates are all notched, as at 17, at opposite sides of opposite ends thereof to expose the extreme free terminals ofthe keys in such manner that they cannot readily catch in the clothing, although they may be engaged by the fingernail to effect their manual projection. In use, the exposed end of the desired key is engaged, and such key is then swung outwardly to projected position as illustrated with respect to one of the keys in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive. The desired key is then positioned for convenient use while the remaining keys are concealed with the case and out of the way. When the key is no longer desired for use, it may be readily swung back into the case behind the adjacent flanges 12 of the associated pair of repairs of intermesilient plates 7 and 8, said llanges closing together to hold the key retracted.

It will be seen that the case is'quite simple and durable in construction, and that the keys may be readily projected without the use of meelianicalmeans. It will also be apparent th at, although the case shown is adapted to accommodate six keys, three arranged at each end, the capacity ot the case may be readily varied by the elimination or addition ot' one or more pairs of the intermediate plates. f

Minor changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Vhat I claim as new is:

l. A device of the class described comprising a case open at its sides and ends, removable means for pivotally mounting keys in 2 said case, and a pair of resilient plates mounted in the case to receive the keys therebetween, said resilient plates having yieldable normally contacting parts to retain the keys retracted within or projected `lfrom the cas 2'., 2. A key case comprising outer plates, pairs of intermediate resilient plates, the resilient plates oi each pair having yieldable longitudinal edge portions normally directed toward each other, and means for pivotally mounting keys in the case between the pairs o resilient plates and for separably connecting said outer and intermediate plates.

3. A key case comprising outer plates, pairs of intermediate resilient plates, the resilient 3 3 plates of each pair having yieldable longitudinal edge portions normally directed toward each other, means for pivotally mounting keys in the case between the pairs of resilient plates and for separably connecting said outer and intermediate plates, cover plates for said outer plates concealing and covering said key mounting means, and means to secure said cover plates in place.

4. A device of the class described comprising a slieatli-like case open at its sides and ends, removable means for pivotally mounting the keys in said case, and a pair of resilientretainers mounted in the case to receive the pivoted ends of the keys therebetween, said elements having yieldable cooperating portions normally contacting each other, but permitting swinging movement of the keys therebetween in order that the keys may be retracted within or projecting from said case. In testimony whereof I my signature.

EVERETT V. ANDERSEN. 

